Pope Leo has been diagnosed with cancer after having surgery to remove a lump on his lung, the Vatican has announced.
The 71-year-old pontiff was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for surgery on Tuesday after the lump was discovered during what Vatican officials have described as “routine checks”.
Pope Leo XIV arrives at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, on Tuesday, October 13. Alessandra Tarantino)
“The surgeons removed the lower lobe of the Pope’s right lung, and tissue examined during the operation confirmed the diagnosis of ‘lung adenocarcinoma’, as suspected from tests conducted beforehand,” a Vatican statement on Wednesday said.
“The Pope was in the operating room approximately three hours, while the operation itself lasted about 90 minutes. The doctors said it was successful and there were no complications.”
Vatican officials said Leo woke normally after the operation and returned to his hospital room.
They made no mention of what post-operative treatment the Pope may receive.
Earlier on Tuesday, crowds gathered at the Rome hospital to wish him well when he arrived.
Well wishers await the arrival of Pope Leo at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome. Alessandra Tarantino)
The American pontiff revealed the discovery of the small, localised nodule during his Sunday noon prayer and announced that he would have it removed.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday wished him a speedy recovery.
“Pope Leo XIV is a source of inspiration to Catholics right around the world – and here in Australia.
“He is a voice for peace, humanity and reason in our modern world.
“My thoughts and prayers are with him as he recovers from his recent surgery.
“We hope and pray for a quick recovery.”
The Vatican on Monday cancelled all Leo’s audiences through to October 20.
There was no word on whether Leo would be able to keep his planned trip to South America in November, reports The Associated Press.
Oncologists often advise patients not to fly for three weeks after surgery – which would give the Pope just the interval needed to make his planned November 6-17 trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, depending on his recovery.
The current itinerary for the trip is ambitious and the longest of his papacy to date, calling for Leo to clock just over 31,000km on a dozen flights and two helicopter rides, and a significant altitude change in Peru.